Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea for diplomatic talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit North Korea on June 8-9, marking his first trip to the country in seven years. The visit was announced by state broadcaster CCTV on Friday, following an invitation from Kim Jong Un.

The trip comes as Beijing seeks to strengthen ties with Pyongyang, which has recently strengthened its relations with Russia. Xi also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in recent weeks.

During his previous visits to North Korea, in 2019 and before that in 2005, no Chinese leader had visited the country. However, China has been working to draw North Korea back into its fold since the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Korea relies heavily on China for trade and economic support. According to 2022 statistics, North Korea depends on China for up to 95 percent of total trade and 85 percent of its exports. Beijing remains a crucial source of political and economic support for the country, despite being under heavy sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

The visit is also seen as an opportunity for Xi to discuss key issues with Kim, including North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. The North Korean state news agency reported that Kim had called for an “exponential” expansion of the country’s arsenal. Beijing is reportedly keeping a close eye on North Korea’s rapid nuclear programme and is concerned about potential regional conflict.

Xi Jinping will meet with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang from June 8-9, marking his first visit to the country in seven years.

Source: Al Jazeera